How Being A Mom Changes You

Disclaimer - Obviously I have been changed in many meaningful ways by becoming a mom. But these are the not so meaningful, yet still documentable ways. I love a post about fierce mama love that makes you cry - but this is not one of those posts.

It changed my fashion sense. I have always longed to be fashionable and trendy but I know I can't pull off most of the current looks. I balked at capris knowing they wouldn't look right on my 5'1" frame (hips included). I eventually got some, albeit four years later. But now, being a mom (especially to a daughter), I get to make her trendy. I am all for "girly" outfits with smocked animals on them or a scripted monogram, but when there's a new style out that I would love to sport, I just let Katie sport it instead. Vicarious Fashion! Case in point - pink cowboy boots with pink leggings and a sweater dress. Who wants to see me in this? Probably no one! But Katie turned some heads in her get up!

 

It changed my view of daylight savings time. Growning up, I was always a huge fan of Fall Back (gain an hour) and not so much a fan of Spring Forward (lose an hour). But fast forward to parenthood, and I have done a complete 180. Fall back - I don't gain an hour of sleep. The clocks go backwards so I stay up late to revel in this extra hour. But no one explained this theory to kids. No one told them about the extra hour. My daughter is still up at the normal time which now becomes abnormally early and I'm even more tired because I took advantage of the falling back! And now it's dark earlier and no one is happy. But Spring Forward - simply amazing. I know I'm going to lose an hour of sleep so I prep myself by going to bed early. Again - I don't explain this theory to my 2 year old so she still wakes up at the normal time which now becomes "sleeping in" on Saturdays while she adjusts to the change. And - it doesn't get dark until 8pm so everyone is happy! No more driving home with the sunset in my eyes. It's still light after dinner allowing ample time for chase and bubbles!

It changed my parking style. I admit - I was that person that would drive around for five minutes to find a parking spot to save myself 10 additional steps. But now, I look for spots closest to the cart return. I hate people that don't return carts! But shopping with a child in tow means I don't want her walking through the parking lot more than she has to and I want to be closer to the return after I unload groceries. It's still all about saving myself some steps - so maybe I haven't changed as drastically as I thought.

It changed my view of smiles. My brother has always had a funny little smirk that he does in pictures. He hates it. I have always had a gummy smile. I hate it. But smiles are so unique to each individual that it's hard for me to see any type of smile as bad anymore. Katie had a crooked little grin last fall that has since straightened out. I am forever grateful that that crooked little grin was documented in pictures! Now her eyes squint a bit and it's still a cheesy grin - but it's not as fake as it appears! I love it. Looking back on her pictures one day, I am sure she will hate it. But hopefully I can convince her that it was all a part of her fantastically wonderful little personality!